University News

WIU: 10 Years of Accreditation

September 6, 2011

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – The Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association of College and Schools announced today (Sept. 6) that Western Illinois University has been reaccredited for 10 years.

In February 2011, following the commission's on-site review team visit to both campuses, the team recommended re-affirmation of accreditation for Western, with the next comprehensive visit scheduled for 2021. According to Joe Rives, vice president for the Quad Cities, planning and technology, the commission's process is multilayered to ensure the appropriateness of its actions. The reaccreditation process included review of documents relating to the visit by a readers panel and final action by the Institutional Actions Council (IAC).

"I would like to thank the campus community for participating in the on-site visit. A 10-year reaffirmation recommendation is the highest recommendation a University can receive from an on-site team visit," said WIU President Jack Thomas. "It is clear that the commission representatives witnessed how we are successfully advancing our vision and mission by enacting our core values of academic excellence, educational opportunity, personal growth and social responsibility."

The on-site visit team's full report can be read at wiu.edu/university_planning/accreditation.php.
"We look forward to working with all members of the campus and host communities as we begin updating the Higher Values in Higher Education strategic plan to reflect enhanced plans and priorities, commission recommendations and new accreditation criteria," Rives said. "We anticipate the updated plan to be launched in 2012."

The review and update process of Higher Values in Higher Education will start later this month with the announcement of the Strategic Planning Committee. The committee will spend the 2011-2012 academic year working with the campus community, and will culminate by seeking governance group endorsement on both campuses before seeking WIU Board of Trustees approval for implementing the updated strategic plan.